Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
