Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over Comoros in Afcon Opening Match.

The the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a less than dominant display, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities

The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

The centre-back had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.

The win continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.