El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, 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 ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
