El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
