El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
