🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. The Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium. Tense Start and Missed Chances Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular 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 spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Late Chance Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Concern for Morocco The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress. This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery. This result extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.