Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat 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 hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
