Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
