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Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances

The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following coming on, the striker connected with a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in some distress.

This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

The win extends the team's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, beating the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.