El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
