El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
