Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It 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.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
