El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
