🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. The Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home. Every opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” commented manager Regragui. El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result. Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference. Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Concern for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress. The defender had only returned to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery. This result extends the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.