Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead 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 after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
