đź”— Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim DĂaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Chances Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for DĂaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Magic The tension was then eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following DĂaz's goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Concern for Hosts The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, SaĂŻss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in tears. This defender had only returned to the national side recently after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery. The win continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.