đź”— Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game. Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. It was a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Start and Missed Chances Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim DĂaz to sidefoot into the net. Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Magic Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following DĂaz's goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, SaĂŻss, who was forced off after the first half in tears. This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation. The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.