El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff 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 Spain between 2008 and 2009.
