Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two 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 challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty 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' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
