RABAT, Morocco — A spectacular bicycle kick earned royal approval for Ayoub El Kaabi as host Morocco opened the 35th Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Comoros on Sunday.
Home fans including Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, who greeted the players before kickoff, had endured a frustrating game as island nation Comoros, ranked 108th in the world, stubbornly held out against one of the tournament favorites.
Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor even saved an early penalty from Soufiane Rahimi.
Brahim Díaz finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, setting off relieved celebrations around the stadium, before El Kaabi sealed the win with an overhead kick in the 74th.
The prince, watching from his royal box, was unable to conceal his delight as he applauded.
Morocco’s quest to become a football superpower is a family affair. It was a passion for the prince’s grandfather, Hassan II, and the current king, Mohammed VI, who oversaw one of the most aggressive buildouts in African sporting history to achieve his aim. The Kingdom is set to be a main co-host of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Mohammed VI’s portrait was beside Gianni Infantino as the FIFA president proclaimed in French before kickoff, “This will be the best ever Africa Cup of Nations!”
The only blemish from a Moroccan point of view was an early injury to team captain Romain Saïss, who wiped away tears as he left the field.
“He felt something behind his knee but we don’t know if it is muscular or something else,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said. “We hope it’s not too serious and that we can get him back later.”
Morocco’s regular captain, Achraf Hakimi, remained among the substitutes after recovering from an ankle injury.
“We are being very careful with him,” Regragui said.
Hakimi was well enough to show his African Footballer of the Year trophy to fans before kickoff.
Excitement had been building for hours Sunday and wintry showers failed to dampen the mood. Beninese artist Angélique Kidjo, Moroccan singer Jaylann and French-Moroccan rapper Lartiste performed the tournament’s official song for the first time during a spectacular light show for the opening ceremony.
But the highlight for the Moroccan fans – judging by the sea of smartphones to capture the moment – was the appearance just before kickoff of the king’s eldest son beside Infantino and Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football. Prince Moulay Hassan shook hands with the Comoros players and then posed for a photo with the Morocco team, seemingly unperturbed by heavy rainfall.
Morocco is backed by many to lift what would be just its second Africa Cup title 50 years after the first in 1976. The final is Jan. 18 next year.
