El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
