Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.