đź”— Share this article El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon First Game. The the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a less than dominant performance, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities Morocco failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute. The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim DĂaz to calmly pass into the net. Every first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said manager Regragui. El Kaabi's Moment of Magic The tension was subsequently eased by a moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result. Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a penalty was given for a challenge on DĂaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference. Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki SaĂŻd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, SaĂŻss, who limped off in the first half in some distress. The centre-back had only returned to the international setup recently following a year’s layoff caused by a serious ankle operation. The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.