El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead 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 challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing 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 after the first half apparently in tears.
This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.