Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
