Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for DĂaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on DĂaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, SaĂŻss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
