El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
