Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
