Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
