Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with 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 slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.