Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
