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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a nervy beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's opening game on the weekend, after strikes by Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a hardly emphatic display, though, from the highly fancied hosts, who sit 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances

The hosts failed to convert an early penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally opening the scoring in the 55th minute.

It came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

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

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a piece of pure individual brilliance from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the forward met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.

Earlier in the match, the hosts could have been ahead in the 11th minute after a penalty was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by keeper Pandor.

Comoros Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods before the hosts' superior firepower eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor made a number of further good stops to keep down the scoreline as the match wore on, although Comoros did have a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Hosts

The victory was partially marred by an apparent injury to the captain, Saïss, who was forced off in the first half apparently in some distress.

This defender had only returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff due to ankle surgery.

This result extends the team's historic run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.