đź”— Share this article Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Caps Morocco's Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener. Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a far from convincing showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an early 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. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for DĂaz to sidefoot home. Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Late Chance Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference. Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following DĂaz's goal, with SaĂŻd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Hosts The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the captain, SaĂŻss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears. The centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation. The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.