El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
