Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite 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 Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.