Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
