đź”— Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match. The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Start and Missed Chances The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for DĂaz to sidefoot into the net. Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Magic The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result. Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Hosts The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain SaĂŻss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation. The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.