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The Morocco overcame a anxious beginning to defeat their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.

This constituted a far from convincing display, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and had to toil hard for the victory in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Nervy Beginning and Spurned Opportunities

The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval despite controlling the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to sidefoot home.

“The first match is invariably tough but we delivered in the second half,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

The Substitute's Moment of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently eased by a moment of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten 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.

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

The Visitors' Resistance and Late Opportunity

Comoros comfortably held Morocco for long periods until the hosts' superior firepower eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, although Comoros did have a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly after Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd shooting straight at keeper Bounou.

Fitness Worry for Morocco

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

This defender had only returned to the national side recently following a year’s absence due to ankle surgery.

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