El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
