🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match. The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture 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, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Start and Missed Chances Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute. The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net. Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Magic Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Worry for Hosts The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation. The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, beating the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.