Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
