El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
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 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.