El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
