El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
