Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
