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Host nation the Moroccan side shook off a anxious beginning to beat their island opponents in the competition's first match on the weekend, thanks to Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a hardly emphatic showing, however, from the heavily tipped Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in wet conditions at Rabat's national stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances

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

The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it square for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

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

The Substitute's Piece of Magic

Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Only ten minutes after coming on, the forward met a ball into the box with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the win.

Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a spot-kick was given for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's penalty was kept out by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Chance

The underdogs comfortably held their more illustrious opponents for long periods before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor pulled off several further fine saves to limit the scoreline as the game wore on, even though his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.

Injury Concern for Hosts

The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the first half apparently in tears.

The centre-back had just returned to the national side last month following a lengthy absence caused by ankle surgery.

The win extends Morocco's historic run of successive victories to 19, surpassing the previous record of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.