Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
