El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
