Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
