El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues 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.
