El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular 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 when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
