🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a far from convincing performance, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium. Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home. “The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Magic The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win. Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Worry for Hosts The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears. This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation. This result continues the team's historic run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.