El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
