El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The defender had only returned to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
