El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
