El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
