El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
