El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub 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 sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
