Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
