El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
