El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
