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El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal 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 opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.
This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
Cameron Fields
Tech enthusiast and gaming expert with over a decade of experience in PC hardware reviews and community building.
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