El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.

The Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Chances

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.

The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.