El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
