Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
