El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
