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Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
Carl Goodwin
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