El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed 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.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
