El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created 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 victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
