Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opening Match.

Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the competition's opening game on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to work tirelessly for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, 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 slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every first match is always difficult but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Magic

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 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 win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' greater quality in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Hosts

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in tears.

The defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.