Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
