Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
