Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
