El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
