Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing 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 foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
