Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
