El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
