El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It 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 opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
