El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
