El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.