Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half penalty and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.

The defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.