El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had just returned to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
