El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
