🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match. The Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium. Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home. “The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Magic The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told. Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Concern for Hosts The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears. This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery. The win extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.