Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.