El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
