El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.