El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
