El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
