El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
