Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.

The Morocco overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.

The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.