🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 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 Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home. Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win. Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference. Goalkeeper Pandor made several further fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Concern for Hosts The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation. This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.