El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
