El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
