Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
