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Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
Matthew Mcguire
A seasoned software engineer with a passion for open-source projects and tech education.
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