El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
