El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
