El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
