Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
