Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
