El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
