Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's 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, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.