El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
