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Host nation Morocco shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's first match on Sunday, after strikes by the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

It was a far from convincing showing, though, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Missed Chances

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

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

Every opening game is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team could have been ahead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods before the hosts' greater quality in the end told.

Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to keep down the score as the match wore on, although Comoros created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd firing directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Worry for Morocco

The three points was somewhat marred by an apparent injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in tears.

The defender had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous best of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.