El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
