El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.
The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.