El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim DĂaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on DĂaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after DĂaz's goal, with SaĂŻd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, SaĂŻss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
