Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up 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 Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, 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 rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
