El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result 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.
