El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
