Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.