El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually 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 slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in tears.
This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
