Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
