El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
