El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
