El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius 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 ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
