Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
