El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Afcon Opener.

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a far from convincing display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.

The centre-back had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.

This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.