Ayoub El Kaabi's Stunning Strike Caps The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opening Match.

Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities

The hosts missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval even with controlling the ball, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The first match is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to the skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute 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.

The win continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the old best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.