Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied 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 Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
