El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
