El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
