El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim DĂaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim DĂaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following DĂaz's goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, SaĂŻss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
