El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
