Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.

The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross 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 when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

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

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

This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.