El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.