Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough 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 substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops 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 Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
