Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It 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.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
