Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
