Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
