El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
