🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match. The Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium. Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net. “The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Magic The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win. Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' greater quality eventually told. Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress. This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery. The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.