El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
