🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match. The Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Chances Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot home. “The opening game is never easy but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Moment of Magic Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference. Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou. Fitness Concern for Hosts The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation. The win continues Morocco's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.