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El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
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