Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 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 the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
