Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
