Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
