El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
