El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Wraps Up Morocco's Win Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

The Morocco shook off a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The opening game is always difficult but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the score as the game wore on, even though Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.

The defender had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

The win extends the team's historic run of successive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.