El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
