Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
