Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
