Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
