Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
