🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium. Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Concern for Morocco The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress. This defender had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation. The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.