Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
