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El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Injury Concern for Morocco
The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.
This defender had only returned to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
Debra Briggs
A passionate photographer and educator with over a decade of experience in capturing life's moments through the lens.
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