El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
