El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
