El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
