El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
