🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium. Tense Start and Missed Chances The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net. “The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win. Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Worry for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress. This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery. The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.