El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
