Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, 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 Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
