Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when 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 invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
