🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon Opener. Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Beginning and Missed Chances Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui. El Kaabi's Moment of Magic Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win. Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery. The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.