El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
