Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Victory Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.

The Morocco overcame a anxious start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a hardly emphatic display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was then eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half in tears.

This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.