El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing showing, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in some distress.

This defender had only made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.