El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally 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.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
