El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
