Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular 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 spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
