Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
