Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
