Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Strike Secures The Atlas Lions' Victory Against Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations First Game.

Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Chances

The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

Every first match is never easy but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' individual talent eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.

The defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.

The win continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.