🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. Host nation Morocco shook off a nervy start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home. Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Magic Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' individual talent eventually made the difference. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Worry for Morocco The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress. This centre-back had only returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation. This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.