Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
