Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Chances

The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other good stops to keep down the score as the match 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 Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute apparently in tears.

This defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.

The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.