Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
