El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
