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Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Chances

The hosts missed an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval despite controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

Every first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

El Kaabi's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by keeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of other good stops to keep down the score as the match wore on, even though his team did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly following the first goal, with Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Hosts

The victory was partially marred by an injury to the captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.

This centre-back had just made his comeback to the international setup recently after a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.