El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
