El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
