El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.