🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps Morocco's Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match. The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home. “The first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Magic Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result. Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress. This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation. This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.