🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener. The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net. Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win. Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Concern for Morocco The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears. This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery. This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.