Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
