Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
