El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.
Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.
Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in tears.
This defender had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
