2 hours ago
Latest Updates
Featured Posts
Get in Touch
Location:
123 Innovation Street
Tech District, CA 94105
123 Innovation Street
Tech District, CA 94105
Email:
hello@brand.com
hello@brand.com
Phone:
+1 (234) 567-890
+1 (234) 567-890
El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually 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 Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.
The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence 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 between 2008 and 2009.
Christine Klein
An avid explorer and travel writer with over a decade of experience in documenting remote destinations and outdoor adventures.
Sponsored News
Nicolas Sarkozy Characterizes Life in Jail as ‘Gruelling’ and ‘an Ordeal’
Christine Klein
08 Mar 2026
Late-Night Personalities Lampoon Trump's Controversial 'Gold Card' Visa Plan
Christine Klein
08 Mar 2026
Giants QB Wilson Responds at Former Coach Sean Payton Regarding Jaxson Dart Comments
Christine Klein
08 Mar 2026
The Sky Blues against Ipswich, Leicester v The Rams, and More Football Action Updates
Christine Klein
08 Mar 2026
The City of Seattle's LGBTQ+ Pride to Proceed During FIFA Tournament In Spite of Objections by Egypt and Iran
Christine Klein
08 Mar 2026