El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.

Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.

This defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.

The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.