🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Beginning and Missed Opportunities Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half. It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home. “The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win. Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference. Shot-stopper Pandor made several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou. Fitness Concern for Morocco The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half in some distress. This defender had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery. The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.