El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle 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 saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
