El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
