Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.