Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
