Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
