El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
