Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other 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 Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.