Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
