El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
