El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
