Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, 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 work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
