Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress.
This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
