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The the Moroccan side shook off a anxious start to beat their island opponents in the tournament's first match on Sunday, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a hardly emphatic performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who sit 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to work tirelessly for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Chances

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

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The opening game is always difficult but we came good in the second period,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

The tension was subsequently extinguished by a piece of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after his introduction, the forward met a cross with a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

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

Comoros Resistance and Late Chance

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, even though Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half in tears.

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.

The win extends the team's historic run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.