Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
