El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
