El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.