El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.