Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.

The Morocco overcame a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Chances

The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears.

This centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.