Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.