El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after 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 invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
