El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
