El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
