Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
