El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.