El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts 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.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
