El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker 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 higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
