El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
