Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.