Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
