Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.