Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
