El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
