Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
