Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
