El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
