Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
