Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 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.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
