El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
