Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
