El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for DĂaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain SaĂŻss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
