El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
