Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
