Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.
The defender had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
