Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
