🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon Opener. The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a less than dominant display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home. Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented manager 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 connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result. Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually told. Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Worry for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears. This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation. The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.