El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
