Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim DĂaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.
It was a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim DĂaz to sidefoot home.
“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance
The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.
Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim DĂaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.
The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with SaĂŻd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, SaĂŻss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.
This result extends the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.
