El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.

The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome Comoros 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 far from convincing showing, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

This result extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.