El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
