Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
