El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
