Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
