Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
