Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
