El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
