Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
