Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
