Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing 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 Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
