🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match. The Morocco shook off a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense 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, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net. Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Magic Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle 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 penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told. Shot-stopper Pandor made several further good stops to limit the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Fitness Concern for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears. This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation. This result continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.