Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
