Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring 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 challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
