Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
