El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for DĂaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, SaĂŻss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
