Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.