El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.

The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

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

The defender had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.

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