El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
