Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.

The Morocco shook off a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Chances

Morocco missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.

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

The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.