El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually 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 slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
