El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
