Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
