El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead 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 after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
