El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
