El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
