El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
