Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, 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 slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
