Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
