El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for DĂaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with SaĂŻd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, SaĂŻss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
