El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
