Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult 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 piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
