El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for DĂaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim DĂaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following DĂaz's goal, with SaĂŻd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, SaĂŻss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
