El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
