Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with 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 slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
