El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
