El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
