El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for DĂaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim DĂaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain SaĂŻss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
