Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
