Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
