Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.

The Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Chances

The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end told.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

This defender had just returned to the national side last month after a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.