Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
