El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two 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 Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
