Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
