El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
