Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
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.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
