Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.