El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
