El Kaabi's Breathtaking Finish Wraps Up The Atlas Lions' Win Over the Coelacanths in Africa Cup of Nations Opener.

The Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances

Morocco missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was then eased by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off after the 18th minute in tears.

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.