El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
