El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
