Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline 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 directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
