Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.