đź”— Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game. The Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to defeat Comoros in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim DĂaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for DĂaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality in the end made the difference. Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Fitness Worry for Hosts The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to the captain, SaĂŻss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress. This centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation. This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.