🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game. The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net. “The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win. Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou. Fitness Concern for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery. This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.