El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.

The Morocco overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances

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

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

The tension was then eased by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.

The centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.

The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.