Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
