Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
