El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

The Morocco overcame a anxious start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

The tension was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.

This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.

The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.