El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
