🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home. “The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Magic Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Fitness Concern for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears. This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation. The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.