Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
