🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval 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 keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home. Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Magic The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win. Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears. This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery. The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.