Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
