Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
