El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

The tension was then extinguished 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 stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.

The defender had just returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.