El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
