El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
