Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
