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Host nation Morocco overcame a jittery start to beat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's effort was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the score as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.

The centre-back had just returned to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.