Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
