El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
