Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
