Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross 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 the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
