Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
