El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
