Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Chances

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It arrived after full-back 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 delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The three points was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.

The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.