El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
