🔗 Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match. Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. It was a far from convincing display, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home. Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance The tension was then calmed by a piece of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result. Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay until the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference. Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Hosts The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears. This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation. This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.