Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
