El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
