El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki 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 in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
