Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
The defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.