Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
