El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
