El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
