El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
