đź”— Share this article El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match. Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period. This constituted a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for DĂaz to calmly pass home. Every opening game is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui. The Substitute's Piece of Magic Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result. Before that, the hosts could have been the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim DĂaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Pandor. Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality in the end told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with SaĂŻd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, SaĂŻss, who limped off after the first half in tears. The centre-back had only made his comeback to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery. The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.