🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Secures The Atlas Lions' Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite dominating possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net. Every first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win. Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor. The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told. Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Injury Concern for Morocco The three points was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears. The defender had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation. The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.