Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, 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 could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
