🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Start and Missed Opportunities The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home. Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win. Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end told. Shot-stopper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Worry for Hosts The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in some distress. The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation. The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.