🔗 Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Secures Morocco's Victory Against the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game. The Morocco shook off a anxious start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half. This constituted a far from convincing performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute. It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net. “The opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui. The Substitute's Moment of Magic The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result. Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference. Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou. Fitness Worry for Hosts The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress. The defender had just returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation. This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.