Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.