El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
