El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
