🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener. The Morocco shook off a anxious start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net. “The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win. Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou. Fitness Worry for Hosts The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress. The defender had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery. The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.