Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute 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 were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
