Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
