Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points 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 locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
