Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
