El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
