El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
