Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
