Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros 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 hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing 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 foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
