Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken 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.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
