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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery beginning to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who sit 97 places above the small island nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The first match is invariably tough but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the result.

Earlier in the match, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Second-Half Opportunity

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further good stops to limit the score as the game progressed, although Comoros created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

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

This centre-back had just returned to the international setup recently following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

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