El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
