El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win.

Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance

Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress.

The defender had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.