Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.