Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
