Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.