Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating 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 slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
