El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring 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 square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
