Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
