El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
