El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
