El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
