El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead 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 after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
