Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
