El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
