El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
