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Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a jittery beginning to defeat Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to grind out for the points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Opportunities

Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before slipping it across for Díaz to calmly pass home.

“The opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the striker connected with a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

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

Comoros Resistance and Late Chance

The underdogs comfortably held Morocco at bay before the Moroccans' individual talent in the end told.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match progressed, although Comoros created a chance for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Morocco

The victory was partially overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in some distress.

The defender had just returned to the national side recently following a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.

The win continues the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.