Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
