El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
