El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
