El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward 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 might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
