El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for DĂaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with SaĂŻd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, SaĂŻss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
