El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
