El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
