El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
