El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, 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 sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
