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Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
Clarence Scott
Elara is a passionate esports journalist with over a decade of experience covering major gaming events and trends.
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