El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
