Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
