Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished 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 spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
