El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.