Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
