El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.

The Morocco overcame a nervy start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant 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 toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was then eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.

The centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.