El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill 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 half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
