🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game. Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. It was a less than dominant display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium. Tense Start and Missed Chances Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net. Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end told. Goalkeeper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Worry for Hosts The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress. The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery. This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.