Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.