Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
