đź”— Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Secures Morocco's Win Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Tense Start and Missed Chances Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim DĂaz to sidefoot home. Every first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was then eased by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the win. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a foul on DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with SaĂŻd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The victory was partially marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain SaĂŻss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in some distress. The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery. The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.