El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, 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 Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
