Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning 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 after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.