Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.