đź”— Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim DĂaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Beginning and Missed Chances The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim DĂaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Magic The tension was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result. Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on DĂaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually told. Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with SaĂŻd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Concern for Morocco The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, SaĂŻss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress. The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery. The win continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.