El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.