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The the Moroccan side shook off a jittery start to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a far from convincing performance, however, from the strongly favored hosts, who sit 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at the national stadium.

Tense Start and Missed Opportunities

The hosts failed to convert an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time despite dominating possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The goal came when full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.

“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second period,” commented manager Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes following his introduction, the striker connected with a ball into the box with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the win.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held their more illustrious opponents at bay until the Moroccans' superior firepower in the end made the difference.

Shot-stopper Pandor made several other good stops to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

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

This centre-back had only made his comeback to the national side last month after a year’s absence caused by a serious ankle operation.

This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.