El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
