Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
