El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
