El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a anxious start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
