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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It came when full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every opening game is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” said manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

Before that, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, even though Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Hosts

The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.

This defender had only made his comeback to the national side recently after a year’s layoff due to ankle surgery.

The win continues the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.