Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an 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 national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.