Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
