Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
The Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities
The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
El Kaabi's Piece of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
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 effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
