🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game. The the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium. Tense Start and Spurned Chances The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to sidefoot home. “The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” commented manager Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result. Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Chance The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou. Injury Concern for Hosts The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears. The defender had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery. This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.