Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
