Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.