El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
