Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten 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 result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
