Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
