Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
