El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
