Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further 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 straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
The defender had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
