Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
