El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning 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 when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
