El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
