Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
