Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
