Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
