El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
