Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
