Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
