Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.

Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The first match is always difficult but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

The tension was then extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality in the end told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.

This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.