El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
