El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
