El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Spurned Chances
The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.
“The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent 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 clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Injury Concern for Hosts
The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.
The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.
The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
