Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two 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 given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
