El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
