Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
