Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
