Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
