Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
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 home.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
