El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.