El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
