El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
