Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
