El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
