Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
