🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Against Comoros in Afcon Opening Match. The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a less than dominant display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium. Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net. Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Worry for Hosts The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears. This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation. The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.