Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
