Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
