El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
