El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
