El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
