Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
