El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
