El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
