Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to defeat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.

This centre-back had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.