Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
