El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros 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, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
