El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
