Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle 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 spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
