El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
