Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
