🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener. The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home. “The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Magic The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result. Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference. Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Worry for Morocco The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears. This centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery. The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.