Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, 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 slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
