Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.
It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.
The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
