El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.

The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Chances

Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.

This result extends Morocco's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.