El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.
The defender had only returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
