El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
