El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
