El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
