Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
