El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
