El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above 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 Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.