El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
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.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
