El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.