El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat 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.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
