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Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with controlling possession, eventually opening the scoring in the 11th minute of the second half.

It came when full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The first match is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was subsequently calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Before that, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by keeper Pandor.

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity

The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, even though Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

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

This defender had just returned to the national side recently after a lengthy layoff due to a serious ankle operation.

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