El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim DĂaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Opportunities
Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock 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 DĂaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance
Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following DĂaz's goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, SaĂŻss, who limped off in the first half in tears.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.