El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
