El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
