El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Chances

The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.