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Host nation Morocco shook off a anxious beginning to overcome their island opponents in the competition's inaugural fixture on the weekend, with goals from the Real Madrid attacker and substitute El Kaabi in the second half.

It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the highly fancied hosts, who are ranked 97 places higher than the small Indian Ocean nation in the world rankings and were forced to toil hard for the three points in rainy conditions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

Tense Beginning and Spurned Chances

Morocco failed to convert an first-half penalty and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute.

It arrived after Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to calmly pass into the net.

“The first match is never easy but we delivered in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.

El Kaabi's Piece of Brilliance

The tension was subsequently calmed by a moment of pure genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Only ten minutes following his introduction, the striker met a cross with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute, doubling and sealing the result.

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

Comoros Defiant Stand and Late Opportunity

Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents for long periods until the Moroccans' greater quality eventually made the difference.

Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a number of other fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the match progressed, even though his team created a chance for an equalizer shortly after the first goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing straight at Morocco goalkeeper Bounou.

Fitness Concern for Morocco

The victory was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to the skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off after the 18th minute in some distress.

This centre-back had only returned to the international setup last month following a year’s layoff due to a serious ankle operation.

This result continues the team's historic run of consecutive wins to nineteen, surpassing the old best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.