Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
