El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
