đź”— Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations First Game. The Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat Comoros in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim DĂaz and substitute El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a less than dominant display, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for DĂaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui. El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance The tension was subsequently eased by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 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 ensuring the result. Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim DĂaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with SaĂŻd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Injury Concern for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, SaĂŻss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in some distress. The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery. This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.