Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
