El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
