Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
