El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
