El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
