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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's opening game on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and substitute El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a less than dominant performance, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to grind out for the three points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Start and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco failed to convert an first-half spot-kick and were goalless at half-time despite controlling the ball, eventually opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before slipping it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.

Every opening game is invariably tough but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Regragui.

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

Any lingering nerves was then calmed by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken ahead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.

Shot-stopper Pandor made a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the first half apparently in some distress.

This defender had only returned to the national side last month following a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result extends Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.