Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
