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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, with goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Chances

Morocco failed to convert an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The opening game is invariably tough but we came good in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

The tension was then extinguished by a piece of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Chance

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a chance for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

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

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a lengthy layoff caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result extends the team's historic run of consecutive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.