El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
