Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the 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 dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
