Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
