El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
