El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.