El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead 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 spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.