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Host nation Morocco overcame a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic showing, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Chances

The hosts missed an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

Every opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held Morocco at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in some distress.

This defender had just made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, beating the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.