El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
