El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
