Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
