Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
