🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Start and Spurned Chances The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home. “The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Magic The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result. Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou. Injury Worry for Morocco The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress. The centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery. This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.