Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
