El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
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.
