Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
