El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
