El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
