El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
