🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Secures Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match. Host nation the Moroccan side shook off 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 substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium. Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net. “The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Moment of Magic Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay before the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference. Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to keep down the score as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Hosts The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress. The defender had only returned to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery. The win extends the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.