🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. The Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium. Tense Start and Missed Opportunities The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating 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 across for Díaz to sidefoot home. “The opening game is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Magic Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou. Fitness Concern for Morocco The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress. This defender had only returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation. The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.