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The Morocco overcame a jittery beginning to overcome Comoros in the competition's inaugural fixture on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

This constituted a far from convincing performance, however, from the heavily tipped hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Nervy Start and Spurned Opportunities

Morocco missed an early penalty and were goalless at the interval despite controlling possession, finally 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 square for Díaz to calmly pass home.

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

The Substitute's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was then extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, doubling and ensuring the result.

Before that, the Moroccan team might have taken ahead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a challenge on Díaz. However, Soufiane Rahimi effort was kept out by keeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the Moroccans' superior firepower eventually told.

Goalkeeper Pandor pulled off a number of further good stops to limit the scoreline as the game progressed, although his team did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Morocco's captain, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.

This centre-back had just made his comeback to the national side last month following a year’s layoff caused by ankle surgery.

This result continues Morocco's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to nineteen, beating the previous best of 15 set by Spain between 2008 and 2009.