Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
