Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

The the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” said manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

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

The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.

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