Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
