Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.

The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.