El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
