El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
