El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim DĂaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on DĂaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with SaĂŻd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the captain, SaĂŻss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
