Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
