Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
