Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Triumph Against Comoros in Afcon First Game.

The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to beat Comoros in the competition's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a less than dominant showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities

The hosts missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” said manager Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the first half apparently in some distress.

This defender had just made his comeback to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.

The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.