đź”— Share this article El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Secures Morocco's Win Over Comoros in Afcon First Game. The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to beat Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim DĂaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period. It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium. Tense Beginning and Missed Opportunities The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half. The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Brahim DĂaz to sidefoot into the net. “The first match is never easy but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui. El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing 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 DĂaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor. Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Chance The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after DĂaz's goal, with SaĂŻd shooting directly into keeper Bounou. Fitness Worry for Morocco The three points was partially marred by an apparent injury to the skipper, Romain SaĂŻss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress. The centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently following a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation. This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.