Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
