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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Nervy Start and Missed Chances

The hosts failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite dominating possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

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

“The first match is never easy but we improved in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off after the first half in tears.

The defender had only returned to the national side recently following a lengthy absence due to a serious ankle operation.

The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive wins to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.