El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.