El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
