El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for DĂaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after DĂaz's goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain SaĂŻss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
