El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic 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 penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
