🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium. Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net. Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told. Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Worry for Hosts The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation. The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.