El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.