El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
