Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
