Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for DĂaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following DĂaz's goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain SaĂŻss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
